Financial Services

Australia's top central banker has hinted that interest rates could be cut again to boost business confidence.

The Australian share market is slightly lower in early trading as investors await a key economic meeting and the release of data in the United States later this week.

The Australian dollar is a third of a US cent lower as traders play it safe ahead of the crucial US Federal Reserve meeting later in the week.

US stocks have fallen ahead of a busy week of economic news that includes a Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting and the monthly jobs report.

The Australian share market has outperformed other markets in the Asian region, as strength in the banking sector pushed it higher.

The Australian share market has started the week flat, following a soft lead from the US and weakness in Japanese stocks.

US stocks rallied from intraday lows on Friday, picking up momentum after a dreary open and ending narrowly in the black.

A rally by banking shares has helped the Australian share market shrug off weaker resources stocks and close the week with another rise.

Resource companies are struggling as the Australian market opens flat.

The Australian dollar is higher after disappointing US durable goods data dampened hopes that the Federal Reserve will begin tapering its economic stimulus soon.

US stocks have closed higher as soaring Facebook shares were up 30 per cent, boosting sentiment.

The Australian share market ended the day flat as resources stocks were hit by weaker metals prices and financial stocks rose.

Like the captain of a sinking ship, the days of cheaper petrol, electronics, clothing and overseas travel will go down with the falling Australian dollar.

The Australian share market has opened a quarter of a per cent lower.

US stocks have closed mostly lower, with weak earnings and a gloomy outlook from Caterpillar weighing down the Dow.

Gold has fallen as stronger economic data bolstered the US dollar and fanned worries about the end of US monetary stimulus measures.

The Australian dollar hit a one month high after the release of lower than expected local inflation figures, but later fell on the release of weak Chinese manufacturing figures.

Resource companies have shaken off a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing to help the Australian share market finish firmer.

The Australian share market is a little higher ahead of the release of key inflation figures and data from China.

US stocks have closed mixed, with the Dow creeping up to close at a new record high after mixed company results, while Apple dragged the Nasdaq lower.

The Australian dollar has hit a one-week high, getting a boost from the rising gold price and a good performance on Asian share markets.

Another day of soaring gold and commodity prices has helped the Australian share market close higher.

A rise in the gold price has delivered resources stocks a boost and helped to lift the local sharemarket.

The Australian dollar is higher after gold prices soared and weaker-than-expected American home sales figures put downward pressure on its US counterpart.

US stocks have ended higher after a series of mediocre earnings reports limited buying enthusiasm.

The Australian share market closed at its highest levels in two months due to strong gains in the mining and energy sectors.

Australian stocks have opened stronger following news China will lift controls on lending interest rates.

The Australian dollar has gained some ground after China's central bank said it would lift controls on lending interest rates, allowing financial institutions to set them.

US stocks ended mixed on Friday after strong earnings from some industrial companies were countered by feeble results from Microsoft and other technology companies.

The Australian share market has ended the week with a fall as negative sentiment across Asia prompted a selloff in local resources stocks.

Billabong is facing a challenge to its recapitalisation deal with private equity firm Altamont from two US hedge funds seeking to strike their own deal with the troubled surfwear retailer.

Analytical testing services group ALS has raised $112 million from institutional investors as it seeks to complete the funding for its takeover of two businesses.